UK Skate Punk
A fantastic slab of skate punk from Laughing in the Face Of, formed 8 years ago they are only just releasing their debut full length record, but obviously all that time and experience spent touring has been time well spent because the record sounds assured and comfortable. "The Lubrication Of Social Anxiety" keeps up a swift pace throughout, solid, chunky riffs and great melodies impress. It's a heady mix of urgent drums and hard guitars with the chugging punctuated by some nice off kilter twiddling; the addition of gang vocals and strong input from the front man ensure the vocal lines are memorable, not quite catchy but getting there.
The short but sweet instrumental opener 'Open Sesame' soon gives way to the cracking tune 'Never Tire' which has a fantastic riff (reminiscent of sadly missed post hardcore heroes Million Dead), 'Make What You Want' spits metal riffs and chugs with serious intent, almost falling over itself in a rush to get to the end, 'I'm Not Your Buddy, Guy!' is another great tune, melodic and memorable with sing along vocal lines. The album works well as a whole and is very cohesive so that it's hard picking individual tunes to talk about, and often there is no let up, with barely time to draw breath between tracks.
If you haven't checked out this band, do it now. Good British skate punk is in the few and far between category these days and Laughing In The Face Of get it all right on this record.